Looking Better

OPINION

Spring Break in Daytona Beach this year is an ocean breeze compared to last year. Not nearly as much noise and rowdiness, thanks to new rules and a get-tough attitude by the city.

But don't pass out accolades yet. And don't sign up Spring Break for the long run.

Next year is likely to be as tough a year as 1989, when residents were left howling about the excesses - noise, drinking, traffic.

Why? Blame the calendar.

Easter falls early again next year. This year, the annual college break was diluted over a six-week period. Next year, most of the 400,000 spring breakers will arrive during a three-to four-week period around Easter.

If Daytona Beach cannot control the college students next year, residents will be on solid ground in demanding an end to Spring Break.

But all's not lost yet. Certainly the changes made this year will help control the crowds next year: - More police on duty and more arrests for public drinking. This year about 6,000 students were arrested, with two weeks to go. Beach rangers helped out, making about 40 percent of the arrests.

- Better noise controls. No poolside drinking after 11 p.m.; no loud music at poolside after midnight.

- Increased hotel security. That helped keep non-guests out of the hotels and kept partying and balcony foolishness to a minimum.

- No concerts on the beach. That reduced the number of people swarming into the area for a day to enjoy the free music. It also helped reduce traffic.

If those changes aren't enough, it will be time for Daytona Beach to follow the lead of Fort Lauderdale and search for a substitute group of tourists.